Category health

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has introduced a new healthcare-linked facility under ‘NPS Swasthya’, aimed at combining retirement savings with medical support for subscribers.

Under this initiative, eligible National Pension System (NPS) subscribers can now use a portion of their pension corpus to meet hospitalisation and in-patient treatment expenses, while the remaining funds continue to grow through market-linked investments.

Subscribers are allowed to access up to 25% of their “Net Eligible Balance” for medical emergencies. This marks a shift from the traditional NPS structure, where funds remain locked until retirement, offering greater flexibility during healthcare needs.

The programme has been developed through a partnership involving the pension regulator and multiple stakeholders, including pension funds and health insurance players. It is powered by Medi Assist’s digital “Maven” platform, which is integrated with the Central Recordkeeping Agency system for seamless processing.

The initiative also provides access to a wide hospital network across India, enabling cashless treatment facilities for subscribers in more than 1,500 cities, along with support for outpatient care services.

Officials said the move aims to strengthen India’s social security system by linking retirement planning with healthcare protection, ensuring financial support during medical emergencies without disrupting long-term savings.

New Delhi, Apr 10 (BNP): World Homoeopathy Day is being observed on April 10, commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the German physician who founded homoeopathy in the late 18th century. This year’s theme, “Homoeopathy for Sustainable Health,” highlights the growing focus on holistic and long-term wellness through alternative systems of medicine.

Homoeopathy, derived from the Greek words “homoios” (similar) and “pathos” (suffering), is based on the principle of treating illness with highly diluted substances that produce symptoms similar to the disease in healthy individuals. The system was formalised by Hahnemann in 1796 and continues to be guided by his foundational work, Organon of Medicine.

 Pic Credit: https://x.com/PMOIndia

Two core principles define homoeopathy: “like cures like,” which suggests that substances causing symptoms in a healthy person may help treat similar symptoms in a patient; and the “law of minimum dose,” which advocates the use of highly diluted remedies to stimulate the body’s natural healing process while reducing side effects.

Homoeopathic medicines are typically prepared from natural sources such as plants, minerals, and animal products through processes of dilution and succussion. They are administered in various forms, including tablets, globules, and liquid preparations. A key feature of the system is its individualised treatment approach, where therapy is tailored to a patient’s overall physical and mental condition rather than focusing solely on the disease.

India remains one of the largest centres for homoeopathy in the world. According to official data, the country has around 3.45 lakh registered homoeopathy doctors, 8,593 dispensaries, 277 educational institutions, and 34 research centres, reflecting its strong institutional base.

Homoeopathy was introduced in India in 1810, when German missionaries first brought its medicines to the country. Over time, it has become an integral part of India’s pluralistic healthcare system, supported by a growing workforce and expanding public acceptance.

Officials and experts note that the system continues to evolve through research and education, with increasing emphasis on evidence-based practice and integration into broader healthcare goals. The observance of World Homoeopathy Day also serves to promote awareness about its role in preventive care and sustainable health systems.

New Delhi, Apr 9 (BNP): The government has announced that the 2026 edition of Poshan Pakhwada will focus on enhancing brain development in children during the crucial first six years of life.

This initiative aims to raise awareness about nutrition, cognitive stimulation, and overall early childhood development, recognizing that the initial years are critical for lifelong learning, health, and productivity. By emphasizing proper nutrition, responsive caregiving, and early learning, the program seeks to ensure that children reach their full developmental potential.

Officials highlighted that Poshan Pakhwada will involve community outreach, awareness campaigns, and collaboration with health workers, schools, and local organizations to educate parents and caregivers on practices that promote brain growth. Special attention will be given to preventing malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and other factors that can hinder cognitive development.

Experts note that investing in the first six years of life not only strengthens individual outcomes but also contributes to broader societal benefits, including improved education, health, and economic productivity. The initiative is part of India’s ongoing efforts to create a healthier, smarter, and more resilient generation.

Dr. Sombrata Roy , Unit Head – CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI says, “Healthcare is increasingly moving towards a technology-enabled, precision-driven approach. Evidence shows that robotic-assisted and minimally invasive surgeries can reduce hospital stays by 30–50%, lower complication rates, and support faster recovery. Milestones such as completing over 100 robotic cancer surgeries in Eastern India by Dr. S. K Bala , surgical oncologist and robotic surgeon at CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI , indicate how rapidly this shift is taking place , not just in terms of technology adoption, but also in building the clinical expertise and teamwork needed to deliver consistent outcomes. At the same time, technology alone does not define better care. Early diagnosis, informed decision-making, and continuity of care remain equally critical. The real progress lies in combining these advancements to make treatment more effective while reducing the overall burden on patients. On this World Health Day, the focus is not just on advancing technology, but on making quality healthcare more accessible, timely, and patient-centric. As medical science continues to evolve, the priority must remain on early detection, informed choices, and equitable access to the right treatment. Building awareness and encouraging people to seek care at the right time can go a long way in improving health outcomes and reducing the overall burden of disease.”

Hyderabad, Apr 08:  Vaginal wall prolapse, a condition commonly seen in postmenopausal women due to weakening of pelvic floor muscles, is often silently endured by many who consider it a normal part of ageing. However, timely and appropriate treatment can offer complete relief, says Dr. Bindu Priya, senior Consultant Urogynecologist at KIMS Cuddles, Secunderabad.

The hospital recently treated a complex case of recurrent vaginal vault prolapse in a 65-year-old woman, who had previously undergone multiple surgeries without lasting success. The patient had a history of hysterectomy performed for uterine fibroids. A few years later, she began experiencing a bulge in the vaginal area, significantly affecting her daily life.

In 2023, she underwent laparoscopic sling surgery, followed by an abdominal mesh repair (sacrocolpopexy) in 2024. Despite these interventions, the prolapse recurred within four months. Upon consulting the Urogynecology specialists at KIMS Cuddles, the case was thoroughly evaluated, and a conservative approach using a vaginal pessary was initially advised, which the patient followed for nearly a year.

As she later opted for a permanent solution, the medical team performed a vaginal reconstructive surgery utilising patients own tissue supports. The procedure included anterior vaginal wall repair, uterosacral ligament suspension to provide strong support, and high perineorrhaphy.

Following the surgery, the patient showed significant improvement and recovered well, with marked relief from symptoms.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bindu Priya emphasized the importance of individualized treatment planning. “Each case of prolapse is unique. Factors such as severity of the condition, previous surgeries, and associated health issues must be carefully considered before deciding the line of treatment,” she said.

She further noted that conditions like pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence, though common with advancing age, are not something women need to suffer in silence. “Early medical consultation can greatly improve quality of life. Social stigma and misconceptions often delay treatment, which should be avoided,” she added.

Dr. Bindu Priya and team Dr. Sai Snehitha also stressed that creating awareness and encouraging women to speak openly about their health concerns is a collective social responsibility.

Apr 8: For decades, seeking world-class medical care in India often meant traveling to New Delhi — a journey that was not just expensive, but emotionally and physically draining for millions of families. Today, that reality is steadily changing.

Across the country, from smaller cities to remote regions, quality healthcare is becoming more accessible than ever before. What was once concentrated in a few urban hubs is now spreading into a more connected, nationwide system — bringing hope closer to people’s homes.

At the heart of this transformation are the people who make healthcare possible: doctors.

Over the past decade, India has made a significant push to strengthen its medical workforce. The number of MBBS seats has more than doubled — rising from about 50,000 in 2014 to nearly 1.2 lakh today. Postgraduate seats have also seen a sharp increase, growing from around 30,000 to about 80,000.

Behind these numbers lies a larger story — one of opportunity and preparedness. With more medical colleges opening and more students entering the profession, India is building a stronger pipeline of trained healthcare professionals. This means that patients in smaller towns no longer have to depend solely on distant metro cities for specialized care.

For families, this shift is deeply personal. It means fewer long journeys in times of crisis, quicker access to treatment, and the comfort of being cared for closer to home.

India’s healthcare journey is far from complete, but the direction is clear: a future where quality medical care is not defined by geography, but guaranteed as a right — wherever you live.

Mumbai, Apr 07: On the occasion of World Health Day, PharmEasy, one of India’s leading healthcare platforms, has launched its latest digital campaign highlighting the growing risk of heart disease among younger Indians and encouraging a shift from reactive treatment to preventive health checkups. The campaign features health educator and advocate Prashant Desai and highlights the importance of early detection and regular screening of heart health. 

In the campaign film, Prashant Desai shares his personal experience, having lost his father at the age of 37, as well as his brother and close friend to heart disease. Drawing from his experience, he highlights how conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and sedentary lifestyles significantly increase the risk of heart attacks.  He also emphasises that heart disease often develops over decades, making regular monitoring critical. As part of his routine, he undergoes a comprehensive heart check-up every six months and also ensures his 23-year-old daughter gets tested annually.

To encourage timely screening, PharmEasy is offering a range of heart health checkups, including a Complete Heart Health Check-up with and without ECG. Both packages include a FREE cardiologist consultation for a limited period, helping users take informed next steps.

People often overlook cardiac risk markers, which can indicate the risk of a heart attack more precisely than standard lipid levels. These tests assess 90+ key parameters such as cardiac risk markers, homocysteine, lipid profile, diabetes indicators, liver and kidney function, thyroid levels, vitamin B12, and CBC, among others.

They are recommended for individuals above 30 or earlier, if they have a family history of heart disease or lifestyle-related risk factors like high stress, obesity, or low physical activity. As part of the World Health Day initiative, users can explore these options and book tests directly on the PharmEasy app. https://pharmeasy.sng.link/Ehz6r/4xx4/zxzpThe offering also includes an at-home ECG service: a simple, non-invasive way to monitor heart rhythm without visiting a hospital. Conducted using an FDA-approved 12-lead ECG device by trained professionals, the test ensures accurate, hospital-grade results in the comfort of one’s home. To ensure comfort and privacy, female patients are attended by female technicians.

Commenting on the World Health Day campaign by PharmEasy, Gaurav Verma, Chief Business Officer, PharmEasy (API Holdings), shared: 

“Heart-related conditions are increasingly being reported among younger individuals, often without clear warning signs. Through this initiative, we want to encourage people to make preventive heart health checkups a part of their routine, enabling early detection and timely intervention. With services such as at-home ECG and FREE cardiologist consultation, we are working towards making preventive care more accessible.”

Here’s what Prashant Desai had to say about the campaign: 

“One in four Indians die of heart attack or stroke. Women are 10x more likely to die from heart attack than breast cancer. It is both ubiquitous and inevitable. Even though it starts in childhood, it takes decades to manifest. The difference between dying ‘from it’ or ‘with it’ comes down to specific heart check-up and a regular ECG. I am honored to partner with PharmEasy this World Health Day to bring the best heart-health check-up package to every Indian. Get it done. Your heart and your family will thank you.”

Through this initiative, PharmEasy aims to drive greater awareness around preventive heart health and encourage more individuals to adopt regular screening as part of their overall wellness routine.

Biohub today added 11 new researchers from Columbia University, The Rockefeller University, and Yale University to its Immune Cell Reprogramming program, which aims to harness and bioengineer immune cells for the early detection, prevention, and treatment of a broad spectrum of age-related diseases.

“We are at an extraordinary inflection point, where the convergence of AI, synthetic biology, and immunology is making it possible to move from observing the immune system to truly engineering it,” said Andrea Califano, president of Immune Cell Reprogramming, and head of Biohub New York. “Each of these investigators brings a distinct and essential perspective to that challenge, and together they will help us build the predictive and programmable tools we need to detect and prevent disease long before it takes hold.”

Diseases are often diagnosed only after obvious symptoms appear, while early signals that precede these symptoms are generally missed. Immune cells are well-suited to fill this gap, as they constantly monitor and maintain the health of organs and tissues while circulating through the blood and lymphatic systems. By deciphering the molecular language these cells use to report problems they’ve identified, researchers can leverage and augment their ability to spot and even treat hard-to-detect cancers and other diseases that can evade the immune response. Better understanding and measurement of how immune cells monitor abnormalities also opens avenues to program new functions into these cells, allowing them to take therapeutic actions, such as repairing damaged cells or eliminating diseased ones.

Through its Investigator Program and parallel Affiliated Investigator cohort, Biohub accelerates research led by scientists, engineers, and technologists by providing them with unrestricted funding to pursue their most innovative and high-impact research projects. The new Investigators will join a vibrant, collaborative, and supportive research community in New York, gaining access to cutting-edge tools, expertise, and training opportunities.

All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi has introduced a state-of-the-art virtual reality (VR) training centre aimed at enhancing medical education and clinical training for students.

The new facility uses immersive VR technology to simulate real-life medical scenarios, allowing students to practice procedures and decision-making in a controlled, risk-free environment. This approach is expected to strengthen practical skills and improve confidence before handling actual patients.

According to institute officials, the initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate advanced technology into medical training and keep pace with global standards in healthcare education. The VR centre will support learning across multiple disciplines, offering interactive modules tailored to various medical specialties.

The launch marks a significant step toward modernizing medical education in India, providing students with innovative tools to gain hands-on experience and improve patient care outcomes.

Chennai, Apr 06: Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, former Vice President of India, is set to inaugurate the 10th edition of CAHOCON 2026, India’s premier healthcare quality conference organized by the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO), scheduled to be held in Chennai from April 10 to 12, 2026.

Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group, will be the Guest of Honour at the inaugural session. Dr. C. Sylendra Babu, IPS (Retd.), former Director General of Police and Head of Police Force, Tamil Nadu, will be the Guest of Honour at the Graduation Ceremony. The event is expected to bring together around 2,500 healthcare leaders, clinicians, administrators, and policymakers, including over 200 international delegates, to deliberate on advancements in patient safety, healthcare quality, accreditation, and digital transformation. Ms. Mallika Srinivasan, Chairman & MD, TAFE will be the Chief Guest and Mr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal IAS, Additional Secretary and CEO, National Health Authority, Government of India will be the Guest of Honour at the valedictory ceremony.

Other dignitaries participating in CAHOCON 2026 include Dr. Vijay Agarwal, President; Dr. Lallu Joseph, Secretary General, Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations, and AGS & Quality Manager at Christian Medical College Vellore; Dr. Nalla G Palaniswami, Organizing Chairperson CAHOCON 2026, and Chairman of Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital; Dr. S. Manivannan, Organizing Co-Chairperson, and Founder & Managing Director of Kauvery Group of Hospitals; Dr. Sathish Devadoss, Organizing Secretary, and Vice Chairman of Devadoss Multispecialty Hospitals; and Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, Academic Committee Member, CAHOCON 2026, and CEO of Apollo Hospitals Chennai.

Guided by the theme ‘Tech, Touch, Trust- The new Healthcare code.’, CAHOCON 2026 will emphasize the human connection, reliability, and innovation at the heart of advancing healthcare quality and patient safety. The main conference will feature high-impact scientific sessions, panel discussions, innovation showcases, and interactive networking opportunities, along with poster presentations by researchers and clinicians that highlight innovative projects and foster knowledge exchange.

Alongside the conference, CAHOCON 2026 will host a comprehensive healthcare exhibition with over 200 stalls, showcasing cutting-edge products and services from leading medical equipment manufacturers, digital health companies, pharmaceutical firms, and service providers. The conference will also feature four breakout houses, designed to facilitate smaller group discussions, interactive workshops, and focused learning sessions.

Recognized by the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua) as the first ISQua Regional Conference for South Asia, CAHOCON 2026 will witness addresses by 20 ISQua experts. The conference will honour excellence in healthcare quality and patient safety through the prestigious CAHO Awards, celebrating institutions and professionals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing healthcare standards.

A key highlight of CAHOCON 2026 is the pre-conference workshops. Over 40 such workshops will be organized on April 10 engaging 32 leading hospitals from Chennai, providing hands-on training and practical insights into quality improvement and patient safety for the participants.

Over the past decade, CAHO has evolved into a powerful national movement dedicated to strengthening healthcare quality and patient safety across India. Through continuous training, accreditation support, knowledge-sharing platforms and collaborative initiatives, the organization is working to build a culture where quality and safety are embedded in every aspect of healthcare delivery.

CAHOCON is one of the most influential platforms for advancing healthcare quality and patient safety in India. This collaborative forum aims to strengthen a culture of continuous improvement in healthcare systems and ensure that patients across the country benefit from safer and higher-quality care.